Developments in the assessment movement are summarized, with educational guesses made about the impact these developments could have at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). Information is presented as follows: national concerns; national and federal developments; western regional developments: assessment and accreditation;…

This publication on family policy reviews federal and state policies and offers recommendations for state action. Initial discussion covers changes in the American family, demographics, and the economy. Issues of family maintenance considered include: family welfare policy and welfare reform; child abuse and neglect; alternatives to out-of-home…

The State of Iowa conducted several higher education inventory studies in an effort to identify strategies and priorities for the future. The Long Range Strategic Planning Study, the first of the studies to be undertaken, was charged with reviewing all academic programs, identifying program strengths, and making recommendations for redesigning the…

Setting priorities for allocating funding and other resources is one of the central issues of federal science policy. Presented in these hearings are the views of witnesses (government officials, scientists, economists, and industrial personnel) on various issues related to setting priorities for science. Among the issues addressed (in the form of…

This document contains witnesses' testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the living conditions of children in state care. Parents, youth workers, legal advocates, program administrators and state officials discuss the cost effectiveness of community-based services and the effectiveness of various…

The Task Force on School Facilities was asked to analyze research data, review literature, and collect testimony on current state policies related to the use of school facilities. Two papers are presented: (1) "Issues in School Facilities Use" (Jean G. McDonald); and (2) "School Facilities: State Role" (Jean G. McDonald). This…

This report contains the findings and recommendations of a special time-limited commission that examined the status of education in Illinois. Conclusions are presented on the Commission's two basic theme questions: "How adequate are the state's expectations for instructional standards and pupil performance across all ages?" and "How…

This document is the first volume of a series of reports on the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) survey project undertaken to assess the impact of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services block grant program on the delivery of mental health services to older persons. Chapter I presents an introduction to and background information…

In 1983 and 1984, a number of reports were issued that criticized the status of schools, primarily high schools. These reports gave impetus to widespread efforts to improve education. This paper presents an analysis of the content and impact of the reform reports, reviewing earlier reform efforts, assessing the primary ways in which the reports…

Alternative financing methods (other than state financing) for developing cost-effective energy efficiency projects are discussed. It is suggested that by properly financing energy efficiency investments, state campuses can generate immediate positive cash savings. The following eight initiatives for maximizing energy savings potential are…

The Education Commission of the States has initiated a series of dialogues between teachers and the people responsible for shaping the institutional and political context within which learning takes place. This booklet draws on transcripts of several "Talks With Teachers" to introduce leaders to what teachers are saying. Though the quotations are…

The widespread use of asbestos for several decades in building construction has created major public health concerns for state governments. If asbestos is not thoroughly bound in cement, plaster, resin or some other stable material, it will flake and powder, releasing countless microscopic fibers into the air. Asbestos fibers penetrate deep into…

Although the federal government, the private sector, and local literacy providers all have important roles in national literacy policy, the goals, shape, and content of the system for enhancing adult literacy in the United States will be developed and implemented by the states. A national commitment to adult literacy will thus mean different…

Oversight hearings were conducted on April 23, 1981 in reference to social service block grants for the Community Services Administration, child abuse prevention and treatment and adoption programs, and Native American Programs Act. Testimonies for support of block grants advocated ability of States to decide how program resources can best be…

Education in rural schools is alive, working to provide quality education through different organizational configurations, and experiencing many changes as it strives to meet the needs of all rural children for a quality education. In the nurturing of rural schools, the State must assist in making it possible to adequately finance justifiable…